Inside Out Blog

This Art Scene Insider Collected His Entire Life – Now, See His Collection for Yourself

Lincoln Kirstein was an art insider with the imposing personality and ambitious projects to match his sizable six-foot, three-inch frame. Kirstein was involved in the early history of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and co-founded the New York City Ballet. Now, witness his life and the amazing art he curated along the way in an exclusive exhibit at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Though he abandoned his own painting career, Lincoln Kirstein directed considerable energy toward shaping the lives of artists and the art world. He organized exhibitions, wrote about art, and connected artists with collectors, museums, and private galleries. An avid collector himself, he eventually donated work by the artists he championed to several institutions, including The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

This exhibition features selections from Kirstein’s gifts, including three works recently given conservation treatment. They are shown alongside works by artists who were his friends and collaborators. These artists focused on human subjects—the lives of people and the human figure itself. Kirstein believed that their work expressed universal experiences and therefore possessed enduring appeal.

Don’t miss this free exhibition on view in Gallery 214 in the American Galleries. The American art collection features more than 600 works on paper. Small exhibitions in this gallery change every six months to showcase the variety of the collection and protect the art from overexposure to damaging light.

We know you love your home at The Royale at City Place Apartments in Overland Park, Kansas, but it’s important to stay active and involved in your community. Attending this event is the perfect chance for you to journey outside your comfort zone to meet new people and seek new opportunities.